April 2016
Thank You for Exceeding Our Goal!
 
United Way of Monroe County is pleased to announce that generous community members and organizations have donated $1,300,128 -- exceeding the goal of $1,300,000 for the 2015-2016 fundraising campaign.
 
These funds will be hard at work locally throughout the coming year strengthening the building blocks of a better life - education, earnings, and the essentials. Donations stay local making it possible for United Way and our network of member agencies and community partners to achieve life-changing results. By supporting agencies that work in education, financial stability, and basic services, United Way donors ensure that people in crisis can get the help they need right away and address their underlying issues.
 
Thank You Video 
Barry Lessow, United Way Executive Director, commended those who helped with the campaign. "The people in this community care and are willing to dedicate their energies and resources to making this a better place. Working together, we can ensure this community is a place of opportunity for everyone who wants to grow and thrive. With this support, United Way and our member agencies are achieving results that matter so that everyone has the education, earnings stability, and essentials that will create a stronger life."
Congratulations to Indiana University, IU Credit Union, and IU Health Bloomington who will receive Pillar Awards for each raising $40,000 or more. Click here for a complete list of award winners.


Allocations Volunteer Spotlight
Lisa Abbott

"It is so hard and emotionally wrenching because there are a limited number of resources and nothing you want to turn down." Lisa Abbott, current United Way board member who also served as an allocations and campaign volunteer for many years, spoke with us about her experience on the Vision Council.
 
The volunteers on the United Way Vision Council review allocation applications and determine how much campaign money is granted to each certified member agency. This ensures that services people need are available and donor dollars have the most impact.  "The allocations committee is a group of people who care about what happens in the community," says Abbott. "They pour their heart and soul into these decisions. But it is the most rewarding experience you can have as a volunteer. Your decisions touch people's lives." 
 
Early Learning Tools

Learn + Read + Play + Laugh = Succeed 
 
April in Bloomington is the Month of the Young Child, and United Way of Monroe County has reason to celebrate! By focusing attention on the needs of young children and their families, United Way of Monroe County is investing in the future of our community's children through several programs and partnerships.

Helping kids enter kindergarten ready to succeed is crucial to our entire community. United Way believes that one of the building blocks for a better life is supporting a vibrant and strong early childhood experience. Along with local partners we strive to help children start school prepared for success. Visit our Parent Tools page for materials to help you incorporate early learning activities into your daily interactions with your young child.


 
Help Stamp Out Hunger on May 14
 
Locally, 1 in 5 children are at risk of going hungry. Our community's food pantries are here to help, but they often have trouble providing sufficient food in the summer when supplies are low and kids do not have access to school meals. Can you help ensure that those who are hungry receive assistance?

On Saturday, May 14, join us for Stamp Out Hunger, the largest food drive in the nation. Last year, 81,635 pounds of food were collected locally to distribute to those in need. We can feed even more Hoosiers this year, but we need your help!

It's easy to participate! Just fill a grocery bag (or two) with healthy, nonperishable food items in non-breakable containers and set the food by your mailbox that morning. Items will be collected throughout the day and delivered to Hoosier Hills Food Bank and other local agencies. This event will occur rain or shine, so please tie bags to protect against rain if necessary.

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Volunteer >>           
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An Evening with our Leadership Givers Leadership Reception

"All of this is happening because you knew it could."
Barry Lessow, United Way of Monroe County Executive Director, addressed Leadership Givers at a reception Tuesday evening to thank them for their generosity and celebrate the successful end of the annual campaign.

We were honored to applaud and acknowledge the contributions of our Vanguards, donors who gave $1,000 or more.

During the gathering Lauren Robel, IU-Bloomington Provost, spoke about the successful partnership between United Way and Indiana University, attributing this our shared passion for the community and the people in it.

"We share a moral commitment to our home, and this campaign is a measure of it," she said.

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See Event Photos >>
Our thanks to the Provost Office for hosting and sponsoring this event.

United Way Brings Home GEM Award GEM Award

For the second year in a row, United Way of Monroe County proudly accepted the Golden Excellence in Media (GEM) award from the Indiana Association of United Ways during a statewide conference on March 17.

The award specifically recognized our Holiday Wish List donor mailing as "best in show" for mid-sized United Ways. Additionally the Roadmap to Success website and the Holiday Wish List video received first place awards. Second place awards went to the Kindergarten Countdown Supply Drive and Leadership Giving booklet. 

A panel of statewide United Way peers and communication professionals select the winners based on visual impact, the overall project, innovation, cost-effectiveness, and measurable success. 

Upcoming Events

Free Community Tax Service
Now - April 16
9 Locations in Monroe & Owen counties
File your taxes for FREE and receive 100% of your refund quickly and easily.
United Way is a proud sponsor 

Now - April 18
Free online tool to guide taxpayers through preparing and filing state and federal taxes.

April 15
Annual worldwide celebration of the contributions of young volunteers to their communities.
United Way is a proud sponsor 
May 14
Community-wide at your mailbox
The largest, single-day food drive in the nation.
United Way is a proud sponsor 
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United WayUnited Way of Monroe County is a nonprofit organization that improves people's lives by addressing critical needs today and working to reduce those needs tomorrow. Through our Community Action Fund, Priority Funds, and grant initiatives, we work with 25 member agencies and other community partners to focus resources on the building blocks for a better life: education, earnings, and the essentials.
 
441 S. College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47403 | (812) 334-8370